In the 1990s: Why do all the freshmen girls need to read "The House of Mirth," of all novels in this language.

In the 2020s: I wonder if I should reread it now.

"The House of Mirth: Jennifer Egan on Edith Wharton"

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/11/the-house-of-mirth-jennifer-egan-on-edith-whartons-masterpiece